The Best Romanian Food: 22+ Traditional Dishes to Try in Romania
If I’m being honest, I wasn’t particularly excited about Romanian cuisine before my trip. I mean, how thrilling could cabbage rolls really be? But after 10 days traveling across the country gobbling up the best Romanian food, I’m eating my words—along with more than my fair share of sarmale.
Turns out, cabbage rolls can be downright exciting. My friend, who doesn’t even like polenta, was converted—and all four of us fell head over heels for the local cuisine.
The best part? Romanian food isn’t just delicious; it’s affordable, comforting, and made to fill you up. Just make sure to bring some stretchy pants for this culinary journey!

The Best Romanian Food to Try in Romania
Thanks to all my trip research, our wonderful Romanian friends, and a few incredibly helpful tour guides, we were introduced to the best Romanian cuisine right off the bat.
We kicked off our trip in Bucharest with an unforgettable dinner at Manuc’s Inn—seriously, my favorite meal of the entire trip. Thank God the meal was hearty…since we were headed to a pub crawl afterward.
Our friends took the reins that first night, ordering for us and explaining all the must-try dishes in Romania. After that, we were on our own, but we still managed to eat some of the best food across Bucharest and Transylvania.
From hearty stews to sweet chimney cakes, here’s the ultimate list of traditional dishes you can’t miss on your first trip to Romania.
1. Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)
Often considered the national dish of Romania, sarmale is a must-try for anyone exploring Eastern European cuisine.
These delicious cabbage rolls are stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, rice, and herbs, then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The dish is traditionally served with a side of mămăligă (polenta), a generous dollop of sour cream, and a hot pepper—the ultimate comfort food.
I had tried cabbage rolls before on a solo trip to Budapest, but to be honest—I wasn’t that impressed. I was expecting to try it once, check it off the list, and move on to more exciting foods. Instead, we found ourselves ordering sarmale at almost every meal.
In Romania, sarmale is a food usually reserved for special events—like weddings or Christmas. Our Romanian friends told us that weddings are often judged by how good the sarmale is!
2. Mici or Mititei (Grilled Sausages)
If you’re wondering what do Romanians eat when they’re firing up the grill, mici (also called mititei—meaning “little ones”) is at the top of the list.
These skinless sausages are made with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with garlic and spices, and grilled until juicy and slightly charred.
Although mici wasn’t my personal favorite—it was a texture thing—my friends absolutely loved it. It’s often served with mustard and french fries, making it a street food staple all across the country. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or part of a mixed grill platter, mici is one of those quintessential Romanian dishes you have to try at least once.
3. Balmos (Cheesy Polenta)
We first tried balmoș at a cozy cave restaurant during our 24 hours in Sibiu called Crama Sibiul Vechi, and after just one bite, we were hooked.
This traditional dish hails from Transylvania (funnily enough, my friends from Bucharest admitted they’d never tasted it before). It’s a rich and creamy variation of polenta, made with butter, sour cream, and generous amounts of local cheese, resulting in the ultimate comfort food.
If you’re exploring Transylvania, this dish is a must-try. Its hearty texture and cheesy goodness make it perfect after a day of sightseeing, and it pairs beautifully with a glass of local wine (although let’s be honest—what doesn’t?).
4. Ciorba de Burta (Sour Tripe Soup)
I’ll admit, I couldn’t bring myself to order ciorbă de burtă. I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to food, but something about stomach lining just doesn’t get my appetite going.
That said, we did try plenty of soup during our time in Romania because Romanians love their soups—especially “sour” soups made with lemon juice.
One random tip: we found that many restaurants sell out of soup by dinner time. If you’re craving a particular type, it’s best to order it for lunch to avoid missing out.
5. Ciolan cu Varza (Roasted Pork Knuckle)
I weirdly love pork knuckle. It’s my favorite thing to order at restaurants in Munich, and honestly, I could eat it any day of the week—though let’s be real, it’s usually enough to last for 3–4 meals.
So, of course, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try ciolan cu varză while in Romania.
I got my chance during our lunch at Caru’ cu Bere—one of the most iconic restaurants in Bucharest. Their “Ciolan Național” was served with braised sour cabbage, polenta, horseradish, and chili pepper. The meat was so tender it literally melted off the bone, and the combination of smoky pork, tangy cabbage, and spicy chili was absolutely perfect.
6. Tochitura (Hearty Stew)
Tochitură is one of the best Romanian foods to try if you’re craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal. I actually tried a very similar dish while exploring the best dishes to try in Portugal (called Carne de Porco à Portuguesa).
This traditional stew is made with slow-cooked pork or beef, paired with a rich tomato sauce, and often served with a side of polenta and a fried egg. It’s a rustic dish that showcases the simple, comforting flavors Romanian cuisine is known for.
7. Salata de Icre (Fish Roe Dip)
Salată de icre is a creamy fish roe dip that’s a staple Romanian recipe across the country.
While my friends weren’t huge fans, I absolutely loved it! I’m a sushi lover at heart, so anything that even faintly reminds me of it jumps straight to the top of my EAT list.
We tried this dish at Vatra on our last night in Bucharest before heading to Sibiu, and it didn’t disappoint. The dip is smooth, savory, and typically served with fresh bread or slices of raw onion for a little extra crunch.
It doesn’t look like much, but if you’re into bold, briny flavors, this is a must-try.
8. Bulz (Balls of Polenta stuffed with Cheese and topped with Egg & Sour Cream)
We tried two different versions of bulz during our time in Romania, and both were absolute standouts. The first was at Manuc’s Inn in Bucharest (pictured below on the right).
Our Romanian friends dining with us that night mentioned that this version was a bit unconventional, but it didn’t matter—it was incredible. The polenta ball was topped with sour cream, crispy bacon, and a fried egg…so naturally, I was obsessed.
The second version of bulz came on night one of our 2 days in Brașov, where it was served in a bowl with smoky sausages and melted cheese from La Ceaun.
Their take was just as delicious, with the same creamy, cheesy polenta base, but a heartier feel thanks to the sausages. Both versions were rich, comforting, and definitely not for anyone avoiding dairy, but it quickly became one of our favorite Romanian traditional dishes.
9. Mamaliga cu Brânza si SmântânA (Polenta with Cheese & Sour Cream)
Mamaliga cu brânză și smântână is one of the most famous and typical traditional Romanian foods, enjoyed all over the country. This everyday staple combines creamy polenta with salty cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream, making it the ultimate comfort food.
One of my Romanian friends, who used to live in Lisbon, mentioned that she would make this dish even while living in Portugal because it’s so quick and easy to prepare.
It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for a cozy meal on a busy day. Whether you’re dining at a traditional Romanian restaurant or making it at home, this simple dish is a must-try for an authentic taste of Romanian cuisine.
10. Salata de Vinete, Zacusca, and Fasole Batuta
These dips are a staple on appetizer menus across Romania, and for good reason—they’re simple, tasty, and insanely affordable.
We first tried salată de vinete (roasted eggplant salad), zacuscă (eggplant and red pepper spread), and fasole bătută (bean dip) as part of a 3-in-1 appetizer at Manuc’s Inn in Bucharest. It was served with an incredible fluffy flatbread, which we later learned wasn’t exactly traditional, but it was so good we didn’t care.
Of the three, fasole bătută quickly became my favorite. Its creamy texture and garlicky flavor were so addictive that we ended up ordering it at restaurants throughout our trip—not just in Bucharest, but all over Romania.
Whether you’re sampling them as part of a meal or a snack, these dips are a must-try for anyone exploring recipes from Romania.
11. Local Cheeses & Cured Meats
Let me tell you—Romania knows exactly how to do a charcuterie board.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include cheese & cured meat boards on this list of the best Romanian foods! You’ll find them on appetizer menus all over the country, and baby—don’t skip this one.
Below on the left, you’ll find a photo of a cured meat & veggie board with salată de icre and mustard from our first-night dinner at Manuc’s Inn. On the right, you’ll see a cheese, meats, and zacuscă board from La Ceaun in Brasov. Both were served with tasty bread!
Proceed with caution: If you don’t have enough people to split it, you might just not be hungry for your entrée.
12. Mixed Grill Platter
Is meat charcuterie a thing? It certainly seems like it is in Romania.
A mixed grill platter typically features an assortment of grilled meats like mici, sausages, and pork chops, often served with tangy pickles, sauerkraut, potatoes, and mustard. It’s a feast that’s perfect for sharing (or tackling solo if you’re feeling extra ambitious).
This dish reminded me of the grilled meat platters I enjoyed while visiting Split, Croatia. If you’re a carnivore, this is going to be your go-to order in Romania.
13. Papanasi (Doughnuts)
If there’s one dessert that everyone raves about in Romania, it’s papanași. These decadent donuts are served with a thick layer of cream, a dollop of cherry or blueberry sauce, and a bonus donut hole stacked on top.
They’re rich, filling, and absolutely perfect for anyone with a serious sweet tooth.
While I don’t have much of a sweet tooth myself (unless a cookie dough Blizzard is involved), my friends—especially my Romanian friends—were obsessed. They insisted on ordering papanași at almost every meal!
Sold at nearly every traditional restaurant in Romania, this dessert is super affordable and practically a meal on its own.
14. Ciorba de Fasole cu Afumatura (Soup with Beans & Smoked Pork)
I might be an international foodie, but I still go nuts for a Panera bread bowl.
When I heard there was a traditional Romanian soup served in a loaf of bread, I knew I would be ordering it the first chance I got.
I finally got that chance at La Ceaun restaurant in Brasov—and I was not disappointed! Ciorbă de fasole cu afumătură is a hearty bean soup flavored with smoky chunks of pork and a rich, savory broth. The bread bowl soaks up all the delicious flavors, making every single bite delicious.
This dish is perfect for a cold day in the mountains or any time you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. If you see it on a menu in Romania, don’t hesitate—order it.
15. Ficatei la Tigaie (Fried Liver)
We tried ficăței la tigaie, or fried liver, at Vatra on our last night in Bucharest with our Romanian friends.
One of them suggested we order it, and since I love liver pâté, I was expecting to enjoy it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my favorite. I have a strange aversion to the taste of liver when it’s not blended into pâté, so this isn’t a dish I’d personally order again.
That said, ficăței la tigaie is a well-loved Romanian typical food, and if you’re a fan of liver, this might be right up your alley!
16. Tocana or Tocanita (Stew with Tomato, Garlic, and Paprika)
I first tried tocană, a traditional Romanian stew, with mutton at Crama Sibiul Vechi in Sibiu. While it’s usually served with a side of polenta, my dish came with thick-cut French fries—and it was absolutely delicious.
The stew was rich and comforting, with tender pieces of meat in a flavorful sauce that was perfect for a chilly evening.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish my meal because we started with a heaping bowl of balmoș and soup—both super filling and not the best idea if you actually want to enjoy your entrée.
That said, tocană is definitely worth trying on your trip to Romania. It’s hearty and indulgent but also surprisingly healthy compared to some of the other dishes on this list.
17. Clatite (Pancakes or Crepes)
Clătite are Romanian pancakes or crepes—although mine was much more crepe-like than pancake-like. Since I’m not really into sweet breakfasts, I opted for a savory version in Brașov before our free walking tour, and I loved every bite.
The one I tried was filled with mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes (which, let’s be honest, are so much better in Europe), and prosciutto. It was absolutely delicious. The only problem? It was enormous, and I could barely eat a third of it before it was time to start exploring.
Clătite are a compact, easy-to-eat meal, perfect for grabbing on the go, and they’re super affordable if you’re buying from street vendors. They reminded me of the savory crepes I’ve had on the streets of Paris.
Whether you go for sweet or savory, clătite definitely make the list of the best Romanian foods.
18. Covrigi (Pretzels)
Pretzels are one of my favorite foods in the whole world, which is probably one of the reasons I love Germany so much. So, when I found out there’s a Romanian version of pretzels—covrigi—I ran straight to the nearest street food stall to try one.
The version I got was warm with a thick, chewy crust and covered in poppy seeds and salt (though I wouldn’t have minded a little more salt). It was absolutely delicious and the perfect snack to munch on while on the go.
I tried it in Sibiu during a DIY walking tour of the Old Town, and honestly, I’d eat these every single day if I could. If you see a covrigi stall on the street, don’t think twice—grab one!
19. Kürtoskalács (Chimney Cakes)
Every time I see a chimney cake, I’m instantly transported back to Prague (even though this dessert is originally Romanian and Hungarian). In Prague, you can find chimney cakes on practically every corner—usually filled with ice cream!
In Transylvania, kürtőskalács are just as popular, but they’re typically served sans ice cream and dusted with a variety of toppings like cinnamon sugar, regular sugar, sprinkles, nuts, or coconut.
This sweet, spiral-shaped pastry is a street food staple—warm, fluffy, and super affordable. It’s also an easy treat to grab while wandering around town! We grabbed this one while exploring Old Town Brasov.
20. Merdenea cu Brânza (Cheese Pastry)
We first tried merdenea cu brânză, a traditional Romanian cheese pastry, during our Bucharest beer tour. Our guide, Andrea, brought them for us at the start of the tour—probably to help soak up the drinks, just in case we hadn’t eaten.
(Little did she know, we’d already devoured some pizza! We’re no amateurs 😉.)
These pastries are a very popular Romanian breakfast food, and after tasting them, I can see why. They’re super flaky, rich, buttery, and filled with a soft, salty cheese that’s absolutely delicious. I wish I hadn’t been so full at the time because I would’ve loved to eat the whole thing!
You’ll find merdenea cu brânză at bakeries all over the country, and they’re a must-try for anyone looking to sample one of the best Romanian foods.
21. Visinata (Cherry Liquor)
We first tried vișinată, a traditional Romanian cherry liquor, during dinner on our first night at Manuc’s Inn. Our friends ordered it for us, and we were hooked from the very first sip.
Vișinată became a staple for the rest of our trip—we ordered it at almost every restaurant to finish off our meals. It’s super sweet, smooth, and easy to drink, nothing like a typical shot. This deliciously fruity liquor is made from fermented cherries and sugar—somewhat similar to Portuguese ginjinha.
You can find vișinată all over the country, and it’s a must-try if you want to experience a classic Romanian liquor.
22. Tuica (Plum Brandy)
Known as the national drink of Romania, țuică is a traditional brandy typically served in shot glasses. While there are different versions made with various fruits, the most popular (and widely available) version is made from plums.
I’ll be honest—țuică is strong. We ordered it once just to try it, and each of us could only manage small sips because it packed such a punch. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth trying at least once to experience a staple of Romanian culture.
Popular Food Tours in Romania
If you’re a foodie at heart (like me!) you might consider biting the bullet and going all in on a tour of the best Romanian food.
Although the cuisine varies across the country and—trust me—Transylvania has more than its fair share of delicious dishes, you’ll be better off booking a food tour in Bucharest since there are more options.
Unfortunately, we got a little short on time in Bucharest, so we didn’t have time to take a food tour. However, if we had another day, we would have booked this Bucharest Markets & Traditional Food Tour on Viator.
For less than $80 per person, you’ll taste tons of traditional Romanian dishes, sample 3 local beers, brave a shot of local brandy, and ride the tram around the city with the tour group. The tour has 5 stars out of over 550 reviews!
👉🏼 Book your Bucharest food tour 🍖
Traditional Romanian Food FAQ:
How good is Romanian food?
Romanian food is incredibly hearty, flavorful, and comforting. I wasn’t sure what to expect before my trip, but after trying dishes like sarmale, ciolan cu varză, and papanași, I was blown away. Romanian food isn’t just delicious—it’s affordable, making it perfect for foodies traveling on a budget.
What is Romania’s signature dish?
The signature dish of Romania has to be sarmale, or cabbage rolls. Almost every restaurant we visited had this dish on the menu, and, once you try it, you’ll understand why. It’s a perfect blend of savory minced meat, rice, and herbs wrapped in tangy cabbage leaves.
What is traditional Romanian food?
Traditional Romanian food is all about rich, hearty flavors. Dishes like sarmale, mici (little sausages), and mămăligă (polenta) are staples, often accompanied by local cheeses and cured meats. During my trip, I also noticed how much Romanians love soups—they’re everywhere and always comforting. Desserts like papanași (doughnuts) and kürtőskalács (chimney cakes) are also popular.
Is Romanian food healthy?
While Romanian food is delicious, it’s not exactly light. Meals are typically rich and filling, with lots of meat, starch, and cheese. That said, dishes like ciorbă de legume (vegetable soup) and tocăniță can be on the healthier side.
What is the national breakfast of Romania?
A traditional Romanian breakfast often includes simple, hearty items like eggs, cured meats, cheeses, and bread. Merdenea cu brânză (cheese pastries) are also popular at breakfast time.
Final Thoughts
Romania left me floored with its incredible cuisine. Whether it was the first bite of sarmale at Manuc’s Inn to the $2 hot dog I scarfed down before getting in line for the Dracula’s Castle Halloween party, Romanian recipes were hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.
Even the dishes I wasn’t sure I’d like, like fish roe dip, ended up winning me over! Meals in Romania are about more than just food—they’re a glimpse into the country’s culture and traditions, and I loved every bite.
If you’re planning a trip to Romania, don’t miss the chance to taste the best Romanian food that this country has to offer. Whether you’re feasting at a traditional restaurant or grabbing street food on the go, you’ll find flavors and dishes that will stick with you long after you’ve left.
Happy travels! xx Madison
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